Campaigning ends for last phase of polls
Campaigning for the last phase of the staggered Lok Sabha elections spread over more than a month drew to a close on May 17 as top leaders sought to muster a final show of strength in the contest for 59 seats with Prime Minister Narendra Modi among those in the fray.
Polling will be held on May 19 in the seventh phase in all 13 seats in Punjab, as many seats in Uttar Pradesh, nine in West Bengal, eight seats each in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, four in Himachal Pradesh, three in Jharkhand and the lone seat Chandigarh.
Electioneering also drew to a close for the bypoll in Panaji, necessitated due to the death of former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in March.
In a first, campaigning in West Bengal came to an end 20 hours before the scheduled time on the orders of the Election Commission. The poll body had Wednesday ordered campaigning in West Bengal constituencies to end at 10 pm on May 16 in the wake of violence between the BJP and the TMC in Kolkata during Amit Shah’s roadshow.
Adequate security arrangements have been made to conduct free, fair and peaceful elections, officials said.
Mr. Shah held a press conference in Delhi highlighting the government’s work. Though Prime Minister Narendra Modi was by his side and made some opening remarks, he did not take any questions.
Congress chief Rahul Gandhi also addressed a press conference in which he hit at the BJP and the government of the state of affairs in the country.
In Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Modi is seeking re-election from Varanasi. The seventh phase of the polls will also decide the fate of 10 other BJP leaders, including Union Minister Manoj Sinha, who is seeking reelection from Ghazipur, and Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan, who is trying to reclaim the saffron party’s stronghold Gorakhpur.
In Tamil Nadu, the outcome of the bypolls to a total of 22 Assembly seats will decide the future political course as the results would determine the continuance of the two year-old Edappadi K. Palaniswami government. While bypolls to 18 constituencies were held on April 18, the remaining four, for which the campaign ended on May 17, will vote in the final phase.
BJP will get 300+ seats and we will form an NDA govt: Amit Shah
The Prime Minister has concluded his address. Amit Shah is taking questions. He says the BJP will get 300 plus seats on its own.
“We have placed the arguments on corruption before the people responding to a question on corruption charges.
Mr. Shah continues to take questions. On Godse remark, he says the party has initiated disciplinary action. Pragya Singh Thakur, AAnant Kumar Hegde and Nalin Kumar Kateel will have to respond within 10 days.
“Even if we get a majority, an NDA govt will be formed. Our doors are opened for like minded parties.
Mr. Modi's first presser in five years concludes without him taking a single question.
Our strategy was to close every door of BJP: Rahul
To a question on Mayawati, Rahul Gandhi she is not a member of Congress. He goes on to say he wouldn't judge anyone — Mayawati or Narendra Modi.
To questions on election results, Mr. Gandhi has one answer: "Wait till May 23."
Mr. Modi had a huge opportunity. As an opposition leader, I'd have liked to see him working on farmer welfare or tackle unemplyment. Unfortunately, he failed, Mr. Gandhi says.
To a question if it is a failure for the Congress unable to forge an alliance with several regional parties, including the BSP, SP, TMC, Mr. Gandhi says these parties are "like-minded parties." "Our strategy was to close every door of the BJP. We closed 90% and he (Mr. Modi)himself closed 10%. We have done a tremendous job," he says.
Mr. Gandhi says he has improved his press conference. He thanks the media for that.
Modi addresses presser at BJP HQ
The Prime Minister is speaking now. He is addressing now. But it remains to be seen whether he will take questions.
“I believe that we have something we can proudly say to the world. It is the world's largest democracy, it is our responsibility to take the power of this democracy to the world. We should influence the world.
“I have come here to thank the people for their support.
“In 2014, the elections were spectacular, elections were held in a positive manner. The government with a full majority happened after a very long time in the country. This is a big deal in itself.
“During campaigning, I told people of the country ‘I am thanking you’ for your support.
“An honest govt began on May 17, 2014, a day after Lok Sabha election results were announced.
“We ensured last-mile delivery which was a new structure of governance.
Rahul gives A for Congress performance as Opposition
Congress President Rahul Gandhi addressing the media at the AICC HQ in New Delhi on Friday.
Rahul Gandhi has a complaint on media persons. "To me you are asking hard questions. But to Mr. Modi, you are asking about mangoes, kurta. Be fair!" he says. Reporters point out those questions were not asked by journalists. Mr. Gandhi clarifies: "You (media) didn't ask those questions. But when he spoke about clouds evading radar, you were silent."
Mr. Gandhi says Congress has played the role of Opposition very well. "We have got A grade in performing as an Opposition role," he says. We have dismantled the idea that Mr Modi, he says adding the party took the issue of farmer welfare.
Sonia Gandhi ji and Manmohan Singh are very experienced. Unlike Narendra Modi, I respect experience. We will benefit from their experience, Mr. Gandhi says.
Very impressive, unprecedented: Rahul on Modi's presser
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address his first-ever press conference, Congress president Rahul Gandhi is meeting the press at Congress headquarters.
"Very impressive," Mr. Gandhi says when a reporter asks about Mr. Modi's press conference."It is an unprecedented event. The Prime Minister is addressing the press for the first time."
"I am asking the Prime Minister, why haven't you agreed for a debate on Rafale deal. Please tell the press why haven't you agreed for a debate," he adds.
On Pragya Singh Thakur's remarks lauding Godse, Mr. Gandhi says BJP supports himsa (violence) and not ahimsa (non-violence).
Mr. Gandhi accuses the Election Commission of being biased. "Whatever he (PM Modi) wants to say but someone else is punished for the same things," he claims.
Narendra Modi attends press conference at BJP HQ
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is present at a press conference at the BJP HQ, perhaps the first one since 2014 either as Prime Minister or party leader. He is yet to speak.
BJP president Amit Shah is addressing now.
“Today is the end of a long and successful campaign for the BJP,” Mr. Shah says. “Since Independence, these elections have been the biggest for the BJP. We will come back with a much bigger majority.”
“BJP has been an organisation-based party since the time of Jana Sangh and since the formation of the BJP party organisation has been a major part of all our work.
“Our government has enhanced the respect of the country. Modi government has established India as a world power.
“This is the first election where there was no issue of inflation and corruption. After a long time the people of the country have seen such an election in which these issues are missing.
“Every section of the country — poor, peasant, women, village, city — has been reached by our government with 133 schemes. Based on 133 plans, there is a new consciousness in the country.
“We have achieved success in almost all the elections. We had six State governments in 2014, we have governments in 16 States today.
“We have raised the level of life of 5 crore poor. By giving them basic amenities, they have realized that they have a stake in the development of the country.
BJP and TMC like offering voters two kinds of poison: Brinda Karat
“Whatever the brand, poison kills,” says CPI(M) Politbureau member Brinda Karat, warning people in West Bengal against voting for either the BJP or the state’s ruling TMC.
With the saffron party making inroads into the State and the fear that Left votes are getting transferred to it enmasse, Ms. Karat tried to explain the vacuum created by the Left in a State it ruled for 34 years.
“You can’t think that you can taste this poison or that. The TMC’s policies have led to great discontent among the people of Bengal against the party. The BJP is using its central-state powers and huge money to claim that it’s the only alternative here. It is like offering people two choices of poison - BJP and TMC,” Ms Karat told PTI i n a recent interview.
Sitting in the CPI(M) office in Belpahari, once a Maoist stronghold, around 200 km from Kolkata, she warned the electorate to not vote for either the Trinamool Congress or the Bharatiya Janata Party and said, “Whatever the brand, poison kills.”
Discussing the recent clashes in Kolkata, she said it is shameful that participants in a procession led by BJP president Amit Shah vandalised and desecrated a statue of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, a beloved symbol of the Bengal renaissance.
“This unprecedented action by these goons is shocking and condemnable and shows the real face of the sangh parivar and its culture. The TMC also played a role to provoke a confrontation as it is equally interested in creating an atmosphere of polarisation.
“The Election Commission must immediately release the unedited official footage of the procession and subsequent events. People of Bengal and indeed all citizens have the right to know the truth,” she said.
Chandrababu Naidu to meet CEC, non-BJP leaders
Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) national president N Chandrababu Naidu will meet the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora at New Delhi shortly. He will speak about repolling in five polling stations in Chandragiri Assembly constituency in the State. He would also raise other issues relating to the polls.
Mr. Naidu would meet national leaders including AICC president Rahul Gandhi, NCC president Sarad Pawar, and others. He would visit Lucknow to meet BSP leader Mayawati.
Remarks on Godse by party leaders against BJP ideology: Amit Shah
BJP president Amit Shah on Friday came out strongly against the controversial remarks of his party leaders, including Pragya Singh Thakur, over Nathuram Godse, saying the BJP has taken serious note of their statements, which are against its ideology.
Mr. Shah has asked the party’s disciplinary committee to submit a report on the issue in 10 days for further action.
In a series of tweets, he said the remarks made by Hegde, Thakur and Nalin Kateel are against the BJP’s ideology, and the party has taken serious note of their statements.
Mr. Shah also said these comments were their personal statements and had no link with the party.
“They have withdrawn their statements and have also apologised. However, their remarks are against the decorum of public life and the BJP, and also against the party’s ideology.
“Taking serious note of their remarks, the party has decided to send them to the disciplinary committee,” Mr. Shah said.
Outsiders threatening voters in Varanasi: Mayawati
BSP chief Mayawati Friday alleged that outsiders are being used to lure and threaten voters in Varanasi to ensure a win for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asked why the EC was not focusing on the constituency.
Slamming the Election Commission, she asked why the poll body was not keeping a watch on Varanasi like it was doing in West Bengal.
In a tweet, Mayawati charged, “In a bid to ensure that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wins from Varanasi, outsiders are being used to lure and threaten voters. In this case, how can a free and impartial polls be held”.
Varanasi will go to polls on May 19. - PTI
Union Minister Anantkumar Hegde calls Rahul Gandhi ‘moron’ for ‘Modilie’
Union Minister Anantkumar Hegde Friday stoked a controversy by calling Congress President Rahul Gandhi a moron for his tweet that ‘Modilies’ is a new word in the English dictionary .
Further, amid reports of his controversial remarks on Twitter about Nathuram Godse, Hegde claimed his account was “hacked.”
He, however, said there was no question of justifying Mahatma Gandhi’s killing.
Staking claim for PM post might disturb anti-BJP alliance: Kharge
Responding to Ghulam Nabi Azad who had said that Congress would not insist on Prime Minister’s post , Congress Leader in Lok Sabha M. Mallikarjun Kharge too said that there was nothing wrong in Mr. Azad’s statement.
Interacting with media representatives outside his residence on Friday morning, the Congress veteran said that claiming stakes for Prime Minister post well before the declaration of Lok Sabha elections might spoil the cordial relationship among the coalition partner and disturb the collective fight against the BJP.
“It would not be sound good if we stake a claim for PM post right now. Doing so may disturb the cordial relationships among alliance partners. It may cause discontentment among other secular parties [who could be our part of the alliance after the announcement of Lok Sabha election results]. Our Prime Minister candidate is Rahul Gandhi. The question of who would be the next Prime Minister would be more relevant only after the declaration of Lok Sabha election results on May 23,” he said.
When asked what would be the next course, he said: “We are discussing with our alliance parties to explore the possibilities. The future course could be decided only after taking the numerical strength of each party after the Lok Sabha after the election results are announced”.
Every religion has its own terrorist: Kamal Haasan
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan, who is at the centre of a raging row over his Hindu extremist remarks, Friday said “every religion has its own terrorists” and that no one claim to be sanctimonious.
The Makkal Needhi Maiam chief also said that he was not afraid of being arrested but warned any such action would escalate tensions.
The MNM founder said the remarks made during the Aravakurichi Assembly segment bypoll campaign meet on Sunday were not made for the first time, even as he asserted that “every religion has its own terrorist” and “this shows that all religions have their extremists.”
ECI order to curtail West Bengal campaign was timed to help Modi: Congress
The Congress on Thursday accused the Election Commission of losing its credibility and independence and said the process of appointments to the poll panel needed a relook.
Addressing a press conference at the All India Congress Committee (AICC), Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala questioned the EC ban on campaigning in West Bengal from 10 p.m. on Thursday.
